Flooding

Rutherford County is fortunate in the fact that major flooding is not too common. However, you should be aware that except for heat related fatalities, more deaths occur from flooding than any other natural hazard. Why? Most people fail to realize the power of water. For example, 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet. 12” can move your car. 24” of water can wash most vehicles away.

While the number of fatalities can vary dramatically with weather conditions from year to year, the national 30-year average for flood deaths is 127. That compares with a 30-year average of 73 deaths for lightning, 65 for tornadoes.

Most flash floods are caused by slow moving thunderstorms, thunderstorms or heavy saturating rains that move repeatedly over the same area. These floods can develop within minutes or hours depending on the intensity and duration of the rain, the topography, soil conditions and ground cover.

Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new channels. Rapidly rising water can reach heights of 30 feet or more. Furthermore, flash flood-producing rains can also trigger catastrophic mudslides.

Occasionally, floating debris can accumulate at a natural or man-made obstruction and restrict the flow of water. Water held back by the debris dam can cause flooding upstream. Subsequent flash flooding can occur downstream if the obstruction should suddenly release.

IF YOU SEE WATER ACROSS THE ROAD

TURN AROUND!Call 911 to report any flooding you come across to local authorities!